Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Silverleaf Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Rhamnales>Vitaceae>Vitis aestivalis Michaux var. bicolor Deam

Silverleaf Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor)

Silverleaf is a common grape of moist areas in the Mountains and upper Piedmont, recognized by its glaucous (whitened) leaf undersides that are glabrous (hairless) beneath. Summer Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. aestivalis) also has silvered leaf undersurfaces, but the leaves are pubescent beneath.

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Silverleaf Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor)

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Silverleaf Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor)

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Silverleaf Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor)

Flowering is in late spring.

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Silverleaf Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor)

Clay Co., NC 5/13/06.

Silverleaf Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor)

The dark blue grapes have a glaucous coating, which easily rubs off.

Alleghany Co., NC 9/23/06.

Silverleaf Grape (Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor)

Alleghany Co., NC 9/23/06.

Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides